Cardyn Brooks's Blog, page 14

Winter Holidays Hiatus Untill January 2023

 

Only 3 more weeks of 2022 and there's so much to do! 
Buy gifts. Wrap gifts. Deliver gifts. Send cards. Read purely for pleasure. Attend awesome bookish events like the engaging Fatty Fatty Boom Boom discussion with the author hosted by the Prince George's County Memorial Library System at the Greenbelt Branch a few days ago. Bake goodies. Share goodies. Enjoy goodies. Appreciate friends and family. Socialize. Write. Rest. 
Merry, Happy, Joyous, Festive Holy, Pagan and/or Secular Winter Holiday Celebratory Wishes to all! 

Looking for Love in Dangerous Places

 

Matchmakers Run Amok  Partners in Crime by Alisha Rai contemporary romance, Avon, October 2022 
Mira's and Naveen's pasts come back to bite them while offering opportunities to heal in this romp with substance. 

Sweetwater and the Witch (Harmony #16) by Jayne Castle paranormal romance, Berkley, September 2022 
Can two people with sketchy dating histories perfectly match each other? Ravenna and Ethan find out while working together to answer questions about shady dealings. 

The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen historical mystery romance, Shadow Mountain, September 2021 
An intrepid amateur sleuth crosses paths with a cynical police detective and alters the course of their lives and those they love. 
New Spins on Old Tales Robin HoodA Turn of the Tide (A Stitch in Time #3) by Kelley Armstrong historical time travel romance, KLA Fricke, Inc., October 2022 
Greek mythology The Maiden and the Unseen by Jeanette Rose & Alexis Rune contemporary supernatural romance, Rose and Star Publishing, September 2022 
Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" Ben and Beatriz by Katalina Gamarra contemporary New Adult romance, Graydon House, August 2022 

Love Letters Past & Future

 

Family ties, love, maintaining connections, resources, political power dynamics and more link these two superficially different books, nonfiction versus fiction, historical fact versus futuristic speculation. These letters record, examine, testify, process, implore, admonish, celebrate the breadth of human experiences. 

I Can’t Wait to Call You My Wife, African American Letters of Love and Family in the Civil War Era by Rita Roberts 

non-fiction history 

Chronicle Books, October 18, 2022 

https://www.chroniclebooks.com/products/i-cant-wait-to-call-you-my-wife?_pos=1&_sid=521df2c94&_ss=r 

In the acknowledgments the author expresses her intention to use “letters to provide a more real and personal understanding of the past” in order to share the history of the African American experiences with non-academic audiences. She achieves that goal. Images, maps, newspapers, pamphlets, portraits, handbills, and marriage licenses support detailed historical facts animated by the intimate written correspondence of Black people. This passage from page 31 summarizes the range, depth, and nuances: 

…In the following correspondence, status, class, and regional distinctions are evident, as are urban and rural differences… reveal the incredible complexity of African American lives in this period…these letters illustrate this diversity of black life. 

Letters between parents and children, spouses, extended family, courting couples, lovers, close friends, allies, supplicants, and even slaveholders and the formerly enslaved resonate with universal themes of human connection, weariness, resolve, and celebration of victories minute to massive in addition to mundane activities. The paths of famous abolitionists Frederick Douglass, Bishop Loguen, and others are entwined with those of everyday families, enslaved Emily and Adam Plummer in Maryland, the free Rapiers in Alabama, and the free mulatto Ellisons, slave owners in South Carolina. Their true stories weave throughout the three main sections of the text: Antebellum, Civil War, and In the Aftermath of War. 

I Can’t Wait to Call You My Wife is a compelling read for everyone interested in understanding the source of the current political turmoil in the United States. Factually dense and emotionally faceted, this text alternates historical details, images, actual letters, context, and discussion calibrated to make the information easy to digest and engaging for the average reader and dedicated historian. 

The Moonday Letters 

A journey through time and space where Earth’s future hangs in the balance 

Emmi Itaranta 

science fiction 

Titan Books, July 2022 

By the late 2100s space travel is the norm and there are human settlements on the moon and Mars in addition to Earth, which is struggling with a food crisis and other challenges. Against this backdrop healer Lumi Salo documents her search for her ethnobotanist spouse, Sol Uriarte. Sensuous writing links journal entries as letters, transcripts, encrypted messages, footnotes, encyclopedia entries, odd encounters, poems, and song lyrics into a dreamy, mystical surrealism. A blend of Indigenous lore with African and Greco-Roman mythologies guides readers through a timeline that shifts between present and past. Is Lumi a reliable narrator? How many secrets is Sol hiding? An intriguing prologue, three parts, and the epilogue answer those questions and many others in this eloquent homage to nature as science that endures despite the hubris of the human species and the inflated egos of individuals. Its lyrical sensibilities also make it an ode to grief and the endurance of love. 

[Cover art photo collage: The Time of Your Life (Millionaires Club #2) by Sandra Kitt release date of April 11, 2023 and eARC courtesy of NetGalley, stress relief reads Mad About You by Mhairi McFarlane and Well That Was Unexpected by Jesse Q. Sutanto from https://maryland.overdrive.com/]

Now & Later Reads Fall 2022 - Winter 2023

 

To Catch a Raven by Beverly Jenkins 

historical fiction, romance 

Avon, August 2022 

A little bit of Undercovers, The Equalizer, and a grifter’s interpretation of Alias  swirled together and set in the late 1870s make To Catch a Raven a heist tale that’s a perfect concluding entry for this “Women Who Dare” series. Intrepid Raven Moreau unapologetically follows her own code of conduct. So does Braxton Steele, but his differs from Raven’s. A chain of events with national implications forces them to work together where their differences generate friction and sexual volatility that smokes on the page until it combusts. Betrayals past and present, unexpected allies, hidden agendas, challenges, and dangers make working together as trusting partners their only chance for survival and success. Ms. Bev’s signature benchmarks of excellence in distinctive nuanced characters who resonate with compelling authenticity in organically detailed historical context that inspires further personal research make To Catch a Raven an irresistible read that centers the multifaceted experiences of Blackness, Black ingenuity, Black love, complexity, joy, and endurance. 

Lead Me Astray by Sondi Warner 

contemporary supernatural mystery romance 

W by Wattpad Books, March 2022 

With immersive world-building talents similar to those of Shai August and Lesley Penelope, complicated interpersonal relationships (with less convoluted angst) of Laurell K. Hamilton, the atmospheric hovering  menace of Kat Richardson’s “Greywalker” series, and the overall narrative eloquence of Lilith Saintcrow and Marjorie M. Liu, Lead Me Astray starts with a seemingly harmless mischievous act by teen sisters Aurie and Haley. The consequences of that spiral into a crime, one mystery that evolves into multiple mysteries about a variety of motives, loyalties, boundaries, and power. It’s a love story too, and the kind of YA fiction written to satisfy adult readers of all ages. This author blends assorted genres and identities and circumstances with seamless eloquence. 

Upcoming Titles 

Ravaged (Burned, Inc. #2) by Naima Simone 

contemporary romance 

Montlake, November 15, 2022 

Miriam and Jordan’s love story delivers all the feels and satisfies with a buffet of tropes: friends-to-lovers, professional athletes, quirky tenderhearted confident women, millionaires, story-within-a-story, big misunderstanding and more. Plus, a clever variation on matchmaking seemingly inspired by Cyrano de Bergerac adds another layer of emotional intrigue to this substantive tale about healing from past trauma. Ravaged unfolds at a nimble pace that balances contextual details with compelling intensity and incendiary sexual chemistry. It’s also funny, celebrates the importance of healthy connections with family and friends, and works as a stand-alone, although reading it immediately generates the compulsion to add the first title in the “Burned, Inc.” series to one’s TBR list. Fans of Nalini Singh’s rugby stories should also enjoy this. 

[Profanity is common throughout characters’ casual conversations and thoughts—no judgement, simply a note.] 

Never Cross a Highlander by Lisa Rayne 

historical romance 

Entangled: Amara, December 27, 2022 

Life is hard for almost everyone in Scotland in the 1600s. 

Ailsa Connery’s everyday challenges are intensified by not having a nuclear family, being illegitimate, Black, and wrongfully enslaved. She’s also smart, determined, and beautiful. Those traits and more swiftly catch the attention of Duff Kallum MacNeill when he arrives at Stirling Castle, despite his misgivings, to compete as his clan’s fiercest warrior to win funds they desperately need. The dangers he encounters include the expected politicking and physical combat, but he’s blindsided by lust and emotional connection with Ailsa who’s hiding more than one secret. So is Kallum. Will their hidden agendas mesh or clash? Following their treacherous journey together yields a love story worth reading and savoring. 

Similar in narrative texture, depth, and nuance to the high caliber of historical fiction that’s romantic offered by (Ms.) Beverly Jenkins, Courtney Milan, Isabel Cooper, and J.J. McAvoy, Never Cross a Highlander organically integrates rich, immersive historical details with multifaceted characterizations and authentic pitch in each voice along with a balanced mix of angst, humor, all kinds of drama, tenderness, and super sexy encounters between Ailsa and Kallum. The supporting characters are also fully developed, and multiple story threads deftly evolve in this celebration of Black joy and love and perseverance despite often demoralizing odds against emerging whole and victorious. 

The acknowledgements and author’s note are must-reads too. Readers sensitive to themes involving human trafficking, enslavement, and repeated threats of assault may want to investigate the content warnings for this story. 

Take the Lead (Dance Off #1) by Alexis Daria 

contemporary romance 

St. Martin’s Griffin, February 14, 2023 

Part reality show critique, part family saga, and all heart, Gina and Stone’s love story examines how far people will go to achieve their dreams and to fulfill their obligations. The slippery slope of ethical boundaries and unexpected costs of competing to win make it more challenging for Gina and Stone to recognize their true feelings and to believe they can establish a solid foundation for a long-term commitment. Emotional range, humor, backstage drama, complicated family dynamics, and steady pacing combine to create a charming tale sprinkled with sensuality and explicitly sexy encounters between the main characters. Fans of Alaskan survival shows and a certain popular dance competition show might recognize some elements as homages to their successful formulae. 

The image of my tablet shows some of the anticipated reads currently in my library requests queue. 

Books shown above, but not reviewed were delightful and worthy brain treat and stress reliever reads during the weeks of my #CardynBrooksReviews #books hiatus leading up the 4th annual The Write Women Book Fest* on the grounds of Marietta House Museum in Glenn Dale, Maryland on Saturday, October 8. https://www.thewritewomenbookfest.org/

*Many thanks to TWWBF event founder and author H.L. Brooks for creating the Blerdy Binge Reader Blog logo shown on the shirt and tote bag! 

   

Bookish Fun & More, More, More at #TWWBF2022!

 

So many books! So many authors and creators of bookish merch! StorytellersMusiciansFood See great pics and reels from yesterday's event on our socials: https://www.instagram.com/thewritewomenbookfest/ 

https://twitter.com/writewomenpub 

https://www.facebook.com/thewritewomenbookfest/ 

Tag us and use #TWWBF2022 and #TWWBF2022swag to share your posts about your experiences, freebies, and purchases! 
Special thanks to the Glenn Dale Farmers Market, Fable Grounds Coffee, Rosa Bakes, Soulatarian food truck & all the food vendors who fed us!  
https://www.facebook.com/GlennDaleFarmersMarket/ 
https://fablegroundscoffee.com/ 
https://rosabakes.square.site/ 
http://soultarian.com/ 

TWWBF2022 Display at Barnes & Noble Bowie Town Ctr

 

Come see the awesome TWWBF2022 display at the Barnes & Noble Bookselllers at the Bowie Town Center in Bowie, MD! 15455 Emerald Way Bowie, Maryland 20716 https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2093 

Fiction, non-fiction, kids, signed editions... So much variety. Great gifts to yourself and others!  
The manager and the whole team at B & N Bowie Town Center exceeded all of our highest expectations for this second year of partnering with them. Our gratitude is tremendous. Thank you!  

TWWBF2022 Swag-alicious Perks + More!

 

Less than 2 weeks until TWWBF2022! The 4th annual The Write Women Book Fest is on (rain or shine) on Saturday, October 8 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. on the grounds of Marietta House Museum, 5626 Bell Station Road, Glenn Dale, Maryland 20769. https://www.thewritewomenbookfest.org/ 

Come enjoy this FREE event! So many talented authors, poets, craftspeople, musicians, the Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Maryland Romance Writers, a kids tent, baked goods, coffee, free swag bags* to the first 50 guests and more, more, more. 
Many, many thanks to the regular Saturday farmers market and food trucks for making themselves available to the book fest attendees! 
[Authors Sylvia Day & Karin Tabke generously provided swag even though they are NOT participating TWWBF2022 authors. They're on our wish list.;-)]  
*The Blerdy Binge Reader blog tote and T-shirt are not part of the giveaways but were created by generous and gifted event founder Heather Brooks as a lovely surprise for me in support of my book reviewing endeavors and they're too awesome not to share! https://www.customizedgirl.com/ 

4th Annual The Write Women Book Fest is 1 Month (Or So) Away!

 

[Ebooks shown were borrowed from TWWBF2022 Partner Prince George's County Memorial Library System and from Anne Arundel County Library System via OverDrive.] 

Come to the Author/Poet/Publishing/Artisan/Foodie/Music/Books-pa-looza on the grounds of Marietta House in Glenn Dale, Maryland on Saturday, October 8 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. 

It's FREE TO ATTEND! https://www.thewritewomenbookfest.org/

Fiction romance authors Golden Angel * C. Rose Dahl * Britt Delaney * M.K. Hale * Mae Harden * Emmy Lou Hayes (erotica) * Lang Johnson * B.K. Lockamy * K. McCoy * Natalina Reis * Katherine Rhodes * Alyssa Roberts * L.C. Son * Nancy C. Weeks * Erin Wright (TWWBF2022 Keynote Speaker) * Aria Wyatt 
scifi, fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, speculative Marissa D'Angelo * Amy L. Bernstein * K.M. Bishop * T.L. Ford * E.R. Griffin * Karen Janowsky * A.L. Kaplan * Alexis C. Maness * Claudine Marcin * Aline P. Mora * Leslye Penelope * Cherease Richardson *  Jaimie N. Schock * Dea Schofield * L.C. Son * Sula Sullivan 
more genres Kat Caldwell * Courtney N. Foster * Tracee Garner * D.A. Jennings * Kathy Kasunich * K.R. Raye * Donna Koros Stramella * Jacqueline P. Walker 
Non-fiction cookbooks, memoirs, haircare, self-help, grief & more Jamala Murray Arland * Patricia Crews * Dr. Ophera Davis * Jackie Hilton * Jill Homiak *  Keianna Johnson * Miko Marsh * Dr. Karyne Messina * Mary B. Patterson * Dr. LaTanya Wilkins * Tanerra Willis * Carolyn Wilson 
Kid Lit 
Angela Ayres * Ingrid Bough * Cheryl W. Brooks * Elle Cole * Re'Shae N. Green * Julia Inserro * D.A. Jennings * Kim C. Lee * D'manda Martini * Paula Murrain * Morenike Euba Oyenusi * Shanequa Waison-Rattray * Jamila Romero * Joanne Sanders * Jennifer Schick * Chaundra Scott * MJ Silver * Rachelle Jones Smith * Raecheal Ware - Enchanted Children Castle 
Poetry 
Patti "Little Pi" Ross (EC Poetry & Prose + TWWBF2022 MC & Partner) Angela H. Dale * Kari Martindale * Janique Muckelvene * Cherease Richardson * Patrice Smith * Aressa Williams - TWWBF Poet Laureate 
Bookish Services 
Khadijah Butler - Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation Kat Caldwell - "Pencils & Lipstick" podcast, The Creative Writing Community, etc. Audrey Hughey - Author Transformation Alliance Jade and Wilnona - The And I Thought Ladies; Inspirational Women in Literature, Media... Christine Johnson - JayMedia Publishing Donna Knutson & Joanne Sanders - editing/writing coachingRobin McCormick - Quill & Co. Nerdy Book Box (TWWBF2022 Partner) Stephanie Rabell - Book and Wine Lovers Marketing Stacie Seidel - writing workshops Lillian Sue - In Retrospect Writing ServicesErin Wright - Wide for the Win (TWWBF2022 Keynote Speaker & Partner) The Writer's Center  Yellow Arrow Publishing 
Draft2Digital IngramSpark Kobo 
Health 
LaNysha Adams - Edlinguist Solutions The GiftUnveiled Dr. Karyne Messina Dr. Tammy McCotter Carolyn Wilson Write Like a Mother - Scribente Maternum 
Artisans, Coffee, Foodies, Organizations 
Barnes & Noble Bookseller at Bowie Town Center in Bowie, MD * Fable Grounds Coffee * The Folkhaus * Girl Scout Troop 81265 * Modern Design Paper Co. * Maryland Romance Writers * Prince George's County Memorial Library System * Rosa Bakes * Silver Quill Studio 
Additional Partners 
Erika McIntyre Editing and Writing * Prince George's County Historical Society * Prince George's County Parks & Recreation  
Extra Special Thanks to the team at Marietta House Museum and the Prince George's Park Police! 

7 Weeks Until TWWBF2022!

 

The 4th annual The Write Women Book Fest is on Saturday, October 8th! You're invited to join us for all kinds of creative bookish, poetic, artistic, musical, foodie fun and more from 12 noon to 5 p.m. on the grounds of Marietta House Museum at 5626 Bell Station Road, Glenn Dale, Maryland 20769. 
It's FREE TO ATTEND. Please request free tickets using this Eventbrite link so we'll know you're coming! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-write-women-book-fest-2022-tickets-288300343087 


Reading (borrowed from Prince George's County Memorial Library System https://pgcmls.info/) that's helped distract me from my event-planning stress: Being Haunted After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston Some of It Was Real by Nan Fischer New Beginnings  The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery  Harlem Sunset (early 20th c.) by Nekesa Afia  Twice a Quinceanera by Yamile Saied Mendez Adversaries Join Forces The Accidental Pinup by Danielle JacksonHoney & Spice by Bolu Babalola Stirring Up Love by Chandra Blumberg 
Dangerous Secrets All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris The Book of Not by Tsitsi Dangarembga A Duke for Diana by Sabrina Jeffries Nobody's Princess by Erica Ridley Something Good by Vanessa Miller  

Counting Down to TWWBF2022!

 

The 4th annual The Write Women Book Fest is 8 weeks away! 
More than 100 authors, poets, musicians, artisans, publishing platforms, organizations, local businesses, a kids' tent with story times and more will be on the grounds of Marietta House Museum, 5626 Bell Station Road, Glenn Dale, Maryland 20769 on Saturday, October 8th from 12 noon to 5 p.m. 
IT'S FREE TO ATTEND!  Please use this Eventbrite link to let us know you're coming. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-write-women-book-fest-2022-tickets-288300343087

Hope to see you there! 

Being outreach director and co-host for TWWBF2022 means my reviews are on hiatus until after the event but I'll still post pictures of the books I'm reading for pleasure, stress relief and because it's impossible for me not to read books.